Big Brother Star Ben Zabel Overdoses On Drugs

A source close to the 32-year-old told news.com.au exclusively that he “overdosed on a variety of medications late Saturday night, and was rushed to hospital to be treated.”

“Ben was seen by Mental Health on Sunday and was then released on Sunday afternoon. He is quietly recovering,” the insider said.

The source also added that he is “still very out of it, and is recovering at home.”

Ben posted a photo of his hospital wristband on his Instagram account on Sunday afternoon with the following caption: “As Mark Twain once said — ‘Reports of my dearth (sic) have been greatly exaggerated.’ Thank you to all the staff at Royal Brisbane #depression #anxiety #overdose.”

The reality star’s publicist, Jeremy Hansen, released the following statement:

“On Saturday evening (15th November) Ben Zabel suffered a drug overdose. He was treated by paramedics on the scene in his apartment and was later transported to The Royal Brisbane Hospital for further treatment. Ben was released from hospital late yesterday afternoon and asks for privacy at this time.”

The loveable Big Brother star has spoken of his struggles with severe anxiety and depression in the past and earlier this year opened up about his dismissal as a flight attendant from Virgin Australia in early 2013.

“I didn’t qualify for any job on the ground and that was very sad,” he told news.com.au.

After his eviction from the Big Brother house in 2013, Ben had a regular gig on Nine’s Mornings with Ben’s Movie Wrap and has been raising awareness of anxiety and depression through work with various with organisations.

Source: news.com.au

If you are concerned about your own emotional wellbeing, are experiencing a personal crisis or are concerned about someone else, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or at www.lifeline.org.au.